Draft

Cyber Crime:

Conceptual Issues for Congress and U.S. Law Enforcement

Abstract

Twenty-first century criminals increasingly rely on the Internet and advanced technologies to further their criminal operations. These criminals can easily leverage the Internet to carry out traditional crimes such as distributing illicit drugs and sex trafficking. In addition, they exploit the digital world to facilitate crimes that are often technology driven, including identity theft, payment card fraud, and intellectual property theft. Cybercrimes have economic, public health, and national security implications, among others. For over three decades, Congress has been concerned about cybercrime and its related threats. Today, these concerns often arise among a larger discussion surrounding the federal government’s role in ensuring U.S. cyber security.

What is Cyber Crime?

Cybercrime is defined as any illegal activity that uses a computer as its primary means of commission. The U.S. Department of Justice expands the definition of cybercrime to include an illegal activity that uses a computer for storage of evidence. The growing list of cybercrimes includes crimes that has been made possible by computer, such as network intrusions and dissemination of computer viruses, as well as computer-based variations of existing crime, such as identify theft, stalking, bullying and terrorism.

Types of cybercrime:

* Assault by Threat-threatening a person with fear for their lives or the lives of their families or person whose safety they are responsible for (such as employees or communities) through the use of a computer network such as email, videos, or phones.

* Child pornography-the use of computer networks to create, distribute, or access materials that sexually exploit underage children.

* Cyber contraband-transferring illegal items through the internet (such as encryption technology) that is banned in some locations.

* Cyber...